BRIDLINGTON PONIES ALLOWED TO ROAM FREE BY ANNE SMITH AND BENJAMIN JOHNSON LEAD TO TRAGEDY AND THREATS

In a series of troubling incidents in Bridlington, two individuals, Anne Smith and Benjamin Johnson, faced serious consequences after repeatedly neglecting their responsibilities towards their ponies, which were allowed to wander freely onto a busy roadway. The consequences of their negligence culminated in the tragic death of one of their ponies and threats directed at authorities attempting to enforce animal welfare laws.

Anne Smith, born in 1956 and residing on Little Beck Road in Bridlington (postcode YO16 4AW), along with Benjamin Johnson, born on 17 January 1998 and living at Woldgate Travellers Site in Bridlington (postcode YO16 4XE), were found guilty of neglecting their animals following a series of incidents involving their horses. The horses, which were allowed to roam unsupervised near Bessingby Hill, repeatedly posed a danger to themselves and motorists on the busy roads.

The neglect was particularly evident in the case of a small Shetland pony named Paddy. The pony was discovered entangled around a tree, a clear sign of the dangerous conditions it had been subjected to. Despite being warned and advised by the RSPCA to improve the situation, both Smith and Johnson continued to ignore these recommendations. Johnson had previously received an official caution from the RSPCA for similar neglect but failed to take any corrective action.

Their continued disregard for animal welfare and public safety resulted in one of their horses being struck and killed by a vehicle. This tragic event underscored the dangers posed by allowing animals to roam freely in areas with heavy traffic. During the investigation into these incidents, threats were made against RSPCA inspectors and police officers, further highlighting the hostility and danger faced by authorities trying to enforce animal protection laws in the area.

In the courtroom, the judge sentenced Benjamin Johnson to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, while Anne Smith was ordered to undertake 40 hours of similar community service. Additionally, both were required to pay costs amounting to £340. A deprivation order was also issued for the Shetland pony Paddy, meaning the animal was to be removed from their custody. Importantly, there was no ban imposed on either individual, allowing them to retain ownership of other animals in the future despite their past neglect.